CHESTER FC players and officials have been paying tribute to young Blues fan Ciaran Geddes who died after collapsing while playing football with his friends.

Messages have been posted on Twitter following the seven- year-old’s death on Tuesday (April 17) and the entire squad have signed a team shirt which will be given to Ciaran’s family.

Former Chester City striker Ryan Lowe and Labour MP Andy Burnham have also expressed their sadness on the social networking site.

Ciaran, from Warrington, was enjoying a kick-about at his school grounds in Birchwood when he suddenly collapsed.

The football-mad youngster, who was one of the mascots for the Blues’ home clash with FC United of Manchester in August last year, was taken to Warrington District General Hospital where he later died.

Chester FC will hold a minute’s applause in memory of Ciaran prior to the final game of the season tomorrow (Saturday, April 21) against Marine at the Exacta Stadium.

Here are a selection of messages:

Director Mark Howell: "RIP Ciaran Geddes, who died playing football with his pals. Devastated. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Sleep tight xxx"

Captain George Horan: "Sad news about CIaran Geddes, RIP"

Striker Michael Wilde: "RIP thoughts are with his family"

Top scorer Matty McGinn: "RIP Ciaran Geddes, thoughts go out to the family x"

Chief scout Alex Hay: "RIP Ciaran Geddes, huge Chester fan x"

Midfielder Alex Brown: "Really sad to hear about young Ciaran Geddes. Big Chester fan who lost his life recently. RIP Ciaran. Thoughts are with his family."

His midfield partner Michael Powell: "Still can’t believe the news about that 7yr old boy Ciaran. Thoughts are with his family. Rest in peace little man."